How does an action potential travel across a cholergenic synapse?

An action potential arrives at synaptic knob. This causes voltage-gated Ca2+ ion channels to open, resulting in an influx of Ca2+ ions diffusing into the synaptic knob. This then causes vesicles containing acetylcholine (neurotransmitter) to fuse with the pre-synaptic membrane and release the acetylcholine. Acetylcholine diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to the receptor sites on the Na+ ion channels on the post synaptic membrane. This causes the Na+ channels to open and so Na+ diffuse into the postsynaptic neurone. The post synaptic neurone depolarises resulting in a new action potential.

VF
Answered by Victoria F. Biology tutor

2620 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

The genetic code is the sequence of bases in DNA, which is found in chromosomes and is made up of double stranded polynucleotides. Explain what is meant by the term “double-stranded polynucleotide” in relation to DNA.


How does information from a gene make a protein?


What is an enzyme?


Describe the structure of the cell membrane


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning